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Tackling forced marriage is the focus of a new consultation published by the Scottish Government.
During a debate at Parliament, Communities and Sport Minister, Stewart Maxwell, described forced marriage as “an abhorrent practice which has no place in Scotland.”
The Government will consult on whether current legislation is enough to prevent it, or if new laws are needed to give those affected by forced marriage even greater protection.
The minister was sure to distinguish between forced marriage and arranged marriage, which is a “successful practice” in many communities.
Forced Marriage Unit campaign poster
Lack of information
A Foreign Office spokesperson said awareness of forced marriage in the United Kingdom is growing. From January to September 2008 the UK-wide Forced Marriage Unit handled 1308 cases - a 79% increase on the figures from 2007. But despite this huge surge in numbers, many cases continue to go unreported.
It is because of this information deficit that the Government is conducting an anonymous freephone and Internet survey, which has been set up to determine the extent of forced marriage across Scotland. It is hoped that the survey will be a medium through which they can hear the voices of those affected, and those who understand the issues involved.
Hard to get help
Mridul Wadhwa is an Information and Education Officer at Shakti, a women’s aid centre in Edinburgh for women of black, Asian, or other minority backgrounds. She said that many victims of forced marriages find it difficult to come forward.
“Often they are very young, and they have no way of coming forward.” Mridul Wadhwa, Shakti
The Government hope that the anonymous nature of the survey will encourage all people affected by forced marriage to complete it, so they can get a comprehensive picture of exactly how many people in Scotland need help.
More funding needed
Mridul also said “the government need to dedicate more funding to the problem, especially to help young people rebuild their lives. The survey is a good start but it’s not enough.”
The survey will be open from December 5, 2008 until March 5, 2009.
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